Near to the brain: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy as a lightweight brain imaging technique for visualization
Venue
IEEE Conference on Information Visualization (2011)
Publication Year
2011
Authors
Evan M. Peck, Erin Treacy Solovey, Sara L. Su, Robert J. K. Jacob, Remco Chang
BibTeX
Abstract
In order to better understand the user and visual interface, it is crucial to also
understand human cognitive processes. Unfortunately, these processes are
traditionally difficult to monitor without the use of cumbersome or expensive brain
imaging equipment. In recent years, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
has emerged as a brain imaging technique that is both lightweight and easy to set
up. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of fNIRS to examine current
visualization techniques and influence the design of visual interfaces. To validate
fNIRS as a tool for visualization research, we present two studies based on
previous work in brightness contrast in visual search and angle vs. position
comparisons in form. Our results indicate there are significant and unintuitive
cognitive differences in the prefrontal cortex during visual search tasks of
positive and negative contrast polarity. Furthermore, we are able to differentiate
between angle and position comparisons under specific experimental conditions.
Finally, we outline the potential of fNIRS to give objective, continuous, and near
real-time feedback of brain activity in future visualization research.
